AHLA Leadership Appointment Process
The AHLA Recruitment and Appointment Process is designed to identify qualified candidates who will help the Association serve its members and advance the profession. AHLA actively embodies the inclusive principles established in the Association's Code of Conduct, Non-Harassment Policy, and Statement of Commitment. AHLA seeks leaders who demonstrate excellence in health law, commitment to the Association's mission, and who champion inclusive practices that value diverse perspectives, promote equitable opportunities, and ensure accessible participation for all. All leaders must understand and comply with AHLA's Conflict of Interest Policy while fostering an environment where every voice is respected and heard.
General Appointment Process
- Annual Call for Leaders: Opens in July
- Application Submission: Members complete a Candidate Information Form through an online portal
- Review and Evaluation: All submissions are evaluated based on qualifications, experience, and commitment to AHLA
- Selection: Appointments are made by the Board of Directors or President-Elect
- Notification: Candidates are notified, and appointments are announced, in April
- Orientation: New leaders participate in orientation and training sessions throughout the year
The Nominating Committee recommends nominees to AHLA’s Board for service on both the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee, and for Fellows recognition. For all other leadership positions, the President-Elect (in consultation with the President Elect-Designate, Chief Executive Officer, and staff liaisons) makes the final appointments.
General Leadership Qualifications
- A minimum of two years working in the health law industry (five years for the Board of Directors)
- Demonstrated volunteer service to AHLA or other professional organizations
- Recognized accomplishments in health law
- Experience supporting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives
- Willingness to fulfill the leadership commitments
General Leadership Expectations
All AHLA leaders commit to:
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Maintaining active AHLA membership
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Serving the designated term length
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Attending and preparing for meetings
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Acting with due care and in the best interest of AHLA
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Supporting the volunteer and leadership pipeline
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Demonstrating inclusive practices that value diverse perspectives, promote equitable opportunities, and ensure accessible participation
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Participating in leadership training
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Supporting AHLA through volunteer time, and monetary donation
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Promoting and attending AHLA educational activities
Requirements and Selection Processes for Leadership Groups
Board of Directors
Selection Process:
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AHLA administers an annual Call for Leaders to fill vacancies for the next leadership year. Terms are staggered to prevent directors rotating off simultaneously.
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All interested candidates must complete and submit a Candidate Information Form.
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The Nominating Committee recommends Directors based on thorough review of applications.
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To enhance decision making, the Nominating Committee independently reviews de-identified applications using an agreed-upon rubric.
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Applications are evaluated based on involvement with AHLA and service as a leader outside of AHLA, achievements in health law, and varied perspectives that contribute to effective governance for considerations.
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The final slate is presented to the Board of Directors for approval.
Qualifications:
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A minimum of five years working in the health law industry
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Demonstrated service to AHLA and/or positions of responsibility
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Recognized accomplishments in the health law profession/industry/community
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Experience implementing or supporting initiatives that create welcoming environments, expand access to opportunities, or build inclusive organizational cultures within AHLA, the candidate's own organization, or other affiliations.
Term: Five years
Nominating Committee
Qualifications:
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The annual Call for Leaders includes a vacancy for an At-large member from AHLA’s general membership.
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The Nominating Committee recommends the At-large member based on review of the candidate's AHLA involvement
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The time commitment for this leadership role is approximately 20 hours. Travel to attend an in-person Committee meeting(s) is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities:
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Identify qualified individuals to serve as directors, officers and members of the subsequent Nominating Committee.
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Recommend to the Board a slate of nominees for such positions.
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In consultation with the Fellows Coordinating Council, recommend to the Board a slate of qualified individuals for election as Fellows of the Association.
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Recommend to the Board qualified individuals to fill any director or officer vacancy that may arise other than at the time of the Annual Meeting.
Composition:
The Nominating Committee is comprised of seven (7) voting members (agreeing to be disqualified from any nomination while serving on the Committee.) The members include the President, who shall serve as its Chair, the President-Elect, the President-Elect Designate, the last two Past Presidents, one (1) At-Large member drawn from the Board of Directors, and one (1) At-large member drawn from the membership.
Term: One-year term, non-renewable
President-Elect Designate
Selection Process:
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Individuals serving on the Board of Directors (or the immediate past Board class) who are interested in being considered for the President-Elect Designate position must complete an online PED Candidate Information Form
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Applications are evaluated on leadership abilities, vision for the Association, consensus building, and other criteria
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Staff forwards applications to the Nominating Committee with scoring rubrics
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The Nominating Committee discusses candidates and selects a nominee
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The Board votes on the nominee
Qualifications:
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Current or recent Board of Directors service
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Demonstrated leadership abilities
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Vision for the Association
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Financial and governance acumen
Term: One (1) year term as President-Elect Designate. The person will automatically advance each year and serve 1-year terms as the President-Elect, President, and Past-President for a total of four (4) years
Early Career Professional Delegate to the AHLA Board of Directors
Selection Process:
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Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
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The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes the final appointment decision
Qualifications:
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Should have less than 10 years of professional experience when appointed
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Demonstrated involvement in the Early Career Professionals Council and/or Council activities
Term: Two years
Term information for Council, Planning Committee, Practice Group, and Review Board Leaders: One, three-year term for Vice Chairs and Members (at-Large). Chairs and Co-Chairs serve one, two-year term. Selection and qualification information for each leadership group is listed below.
Conference Planning Committee
Selection Process:
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Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
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The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
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Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations
Qualifications:
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Two years minimum in health law industry
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Past attendance at relevant conference(s) or any AHLA conference preferred
Development and Advancement Council
Selection Process:
- Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
- The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
- Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations
Qualifications:
- Minimum two years in health law
- Demonstrated volunteer service to AHLA
- Fundraising or donor development experience preferred
Dispute Resolution Service Council and Review Board
Selection Process:
- Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
- The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
- Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations
Qualifications for Council:
- Interest and experience in alternative dispute resolution
- Intermediate level of experience in ADR preferred
Qualifications for Review Board:
- Significant experience in the arbitration, litigation, or mediation of health law disputes
Term:
One, three-year term for Vice-Chairs and Members (at-Large). Chairs and Co-Chairs serve one, two-year term.
Women's Leadership Council and Early Career Professionals Council
Selection Process:
- Anyone interested must complete and submit an application
- The President-Elect, in consultation with others, reviews applications and makes final appointment decisions
- Appointees must meet all qualifications and leadership expectations
Qualifications for Early Career Professionals Council:
- Should have less than 10 years of professional experience when appointed
Term:
One, three-year term for Vice-Chairs and Members (at-Large). Chairs and Co-Chairs serve one, two-year term.
Position Descriptions
- AHLA Board Member (Director)
- AHLA At-Large Nominating Committee Member
- AHLA Early Career Professional Delegate to the Board
Factors That May Prevent Selection
- Working in the same firm/organization as an existing member of the same leadership group
- Incomplete application
- Current leadership in a competing organization that would create a conflict of interest
- Unwillingness or inability to comply with AHLA's Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy, and Non-Harassment Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate someone else?
You can encourage a colleague(s) to apply by providing them with the link to the candidate information form.
Can I serve in multiple leadership positions simultaneously?
Due to the high level of interest in serving, members are typically appointed to only one position at a time.
How are leaders evaluated?
Leaders are evaluated based on qualifications, commitment to AHLA's mission, volunteer service, professional accomplishments, and proven track record of fostering belonging in previous roles and building welcoming spaces that actively value and incorporate varied perspectives and experiences.